I woke up this morning, June 2o, 2009, and almost immediately reminded myself of the double significance of this date.  It was six years ago today that I was diagnosed with a rare, but curable form of Leukemia.  In August of that year, while undergoing outpatient chemotherapy, I met Debbie, a fellow cancer patient. We hit it off almost instantly, and became friends.  Over the next four years, we shared new experiences outside the confines of a cancer clinic. I was honored and privileged to do a reading at Debbie’s wedding in September of 2005.  Unfortunately, our friendship was rather brief.  Debbie’s work here on earth came to a conclusion on the most ironic of dates-June 20, 2007.

I probably never gave much thought to the twentieth day of June in the years prior to 2003, though it is the last full day of Spring. For myself, June 20th will always be a reminder that in the year 2003, I experienced a pivotal date in my lifetime-a day with significant and lasting effects.  It will also be a day of remembrance and reflection on a brief, yet profound friendship with a kindred spirit.  Debbie,you are missed!